1905-05-13 — Page 5

THE BALTIC FLEETS

QUESTIONS HMS. "HECLAT

CONCERNING PRESENCS OF WAR- *SHIPS.

THE FLEET AT VAN FONG`BAY..

ith inst.

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY MAY 13, 1905.

Co., Kabe, as his arbitrator." "The charterers

AGAIN SIGHTED.

WA HONGKONG' CUNARD..

rath inst.

ex

135

12th inst

Kwongchowway at 7.320 a.m. to-day.

The French gunboat Decidir amived from

The torpedo fotilla is evidently in touch with the feet vultido na destroyers, are fra quently leaving port via the Lyemun Pasa,

United States river gun-boat Callas, which Commandant Dismukes in command of the has been stationed on the West River since the commencement of the Canton-Hankow Rail way, left Canton per the 1. Charles Hardewin on Saturday last on his way to Cavite to take command, on promotion, of a first class crustar at that staliou. A large number of fnends gathered on Shamien to see him off, and he doua steamed pasted his old command lying was beartily cheered as the s.. Charles Har

the areant

·U.S. `BATTLESHIP "OHIO." Cavite; May 8-The battleship Ohio, Cap- Cavite yesterday afternoon about 3 p.m. after a thin Leavitt C. Logan commanding, arived at

tween Japanese ports Kores and the China chief officer told a representative of this should return. The skipper of the Austriannete merobants owing to the near proximity coasts. The charterers decided to send the paper, soon after the ship steamed into port, ship apparently had not made up his mind dad of the Balticers, result of which the rhiive steamer to Kelong, Formosa, from Kobe on what the Hanstan vessels were ready for sen finitely on the subject the steamed through import trade of Halvan island (Klungchoufu) that instant, but the master refused to go to when to left, and from what he saw in Henkobe the Hakodata Straits and was there captured by has almost become paralysed. There also a Formosa, on the ground that Formosa'was not Hay be should not lie at all surprised to learn the Japanese, ¿The flea/kdank left the region report that the provincial authorities think that a place mentioned in the charter party. He that the Fisst was by this time di scă.

of the ice and snow and proceeded to Amoy the Rússian fleet, confident that the Chinens

· maintains that "Japanese põrts" in the char-PANESE CRUISER SIGHTEN, where she arrived on the 11th February last, will be too weak to oppose them, will probably ter-party mean only the ports of the mainland. ・・・ Captain Robson of the s.s., zraimun, from

OUTBREAK OF FIRE.

take possession of Sanmun Bay, which bas a As' Formosa is a colony or foreign possession Swatow, reports that he saw a Japanese cruiser.

After lying in the northern hatbody for close gord harbour and plenty of water. In obe of Japan, where special", administration is in in Amoy on Friday, the 5th inst.

upon three months the monotomy board was lience, however, to instructions from the Wai force hearing the same relation to Japan as

suddenly broken by an alarm of fire being wupu the Viceroys and Governors of Kwang Hongkong or ludia to Great firitain, the char

When the Baltic Ficer was in the Malacca mised at five o'clock of the evening of the and tung, Fakten, and Cheklang provinces have Among the many items of news concern. terers hold that Formosa ports are included in Straits Router's Agency in London was inst The third engineer was on deck at ordered the military authorities along the sea ing the movements and wheteabouts of the japanese porte." as mentioned in the charters informed that any movements of the vessels of this time and saw smoke issuing from hatcher coast 'keep a'good look but on the Babicers Russian -Baltic Fleet received by ships arty. It has been agreed to decide this differ. the British Chinese aquadron from Hongkong of the No. 1 hold. All hands turned out and to prevent them, if possible; from violating lately arrived from the south the interesting ence by arbitration, concludes the Kads Shim had been made in the ordinary course, and have and every hole and corner was battened down Chinese neutrality. We understand. that

nformation brought by the torpedo-depot, and the Master of the steamer has appoint opthing whatever to do with the appearance in an endeavour to suffocate the fire'; mean ordinary precautions are being taken by the and repair ship recia, which entered ported Mr. Eugene H. Gill, of Messrs. Browne & of the Russian fleet.

While steam was got up in the donkey boiler, Yangiza oficials, to guard Chinese mentrality yesterday morning, has hitherto escaped at have not yet appointed their arbitrator,

the steam hose was fastened up and passed Speculating on Admiral Rojenvensky's through'n amall Hole cut in the cover of one of tention, and might have passed unheeded

movements, the Japan Mail remarks that is the ventilator and every effort made” to drive

"HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION, had it not been brought to the notice of a

may be reasonably assumed that the Russian | the air out of the Höld. “Shortly after it seemed dth inst. Commander will not take his final step-what-as though the fire had been overcome, but af Arepresentative of this journal that she has

ect something" and in fact had been spoken which trived this afternoon from Bangkok vid which means that another week of uncertainty which threw the hatches into the air and set appearing in our conteinporaties, we learn on the Captain Kohe, of the German 1.5. Tringtas, ever that may be-until. Nebogaloff joins him, midnight there was suddenly a loud explosionMatsbed hospital for wounded beligerents

With regard to the story regarding the by Volunteer cruisers'off' the Annam coos! Kohsi Chiang, reports that on the 3rd inst,.must be anticipated." The Nichi Nizhi Shim-fire to the tarpaulina: Asmaltern looked serious highest-authority that the report is absolutely were mad mdail: from the States. Stops Our reporter boarded the ship to day and between two and three o'clock in the after-dun thinks that the Russian Admiral, will not it was deemed prudent to call for assistance devoid of foundation.The scheme for an after a brief interview with the first lieutenant, noon, he sighted 21" Russian men-of-war at hesitate to abuse French neutrality, if, he finds Rochers were sent up and it was not long emergency hospital was under consideration was introduced to Captain E. F. Charl Van Fong Bay, and 14 hitherinoally cruisers, convenient to do so.. Northward of Kam before the crow of the German cruiser during the régime of Sir Henry Blake, and arron, who readily tendered all information of Three King's Pointten miles distant raph on the Indo Chinese coast there are pu- Thetis went alongside and rendered valus has been farm inted by reason of the annually concerning the interesting experience of his hey were cruising about but did not signal nerous excellent anchorage, as Naurang, Binkad able aid so that by six o'clock the morning increasing want of hospital accomodation in "hip.

the Tsingtau. Caplain Kohe also saw a French Honko and so forth, at each of which Rojastven following the fire was well under control, this Celeny in the hot months, en disease man of war," about the same time, steaming sky might put in for one or two days, waiting There were, then some nine feet of water in and sickness are most prevalent. As regards 'from the Bay towards Saigon.

ull French policemen came to warm him off the hold and this has since been added to the belligerents, we have authority for stating Thus it would be very possible to pass 10 days owing to the fire having broken out several that should any of their wounded seek an or a fortnight without any inconvenience, times since. In fact, s1, the ship lay in the asylum with us, the use of our hospitals will From Kamrank Bay to Tsushima Strait, the harbour to-day it was seen, that the coal, which be extended to them, whenever accommodatipa distance is 1,700 miles, which could be easily had been strewn over the deck, forehead, is available, as has been done here befere, in accomplished in 70 hours. From Kamranh to was still smoking and water has now to the Case of the men from Chemulpo, but got Esugaru the distance is 1,700 miles, and from be pumped on the cargo twice daily necessity in any particular hospital. Kamraoh to Soya is 3:200 miles. Thus, sup until the cargo has been discharged into bourhood of Kamranb, as it seems to be now whether the ship has sustained any damage doing, until Nebagstoff's ships join it, it will or not, but this should not be long in being have thereafter a 7 days' voyage to reach the made known as it is intended to work day and Tsushima Strait, an eleven days', voyage to night at the job, Tsugar, and 13 days voyage to Soya. From 2 to 3 days would bring it to the Pescadores.

Yes, we saw the, Baltic fleet," he said cheerfully, and in, fact had a very, good

• view of the vessels as they lay at anchor."

"When and where was this ?" we queried. It was on Sunday morning last' and, as near as I can remember, about half past eleven, when we were steaming some nine miles off Van Fong Bay. We first saw couple of Volunteer cruisers steaming Just outside of the Bay, and as we were pass ing by one of them ran up the signal, Will you kindly tell us if you have sighted any men-of-war?" To this we replied, "No news; we have seen none." The cruiser then signalled "Thank you" and steamed slowly away.

13th inst,

A wire from Tokin, of and insu, printed in the Cafiqnews states—

Tokio, May 2-It is reported here that Admiral Togo has decided, in pursuance of the navel plan outlined by the war department to the, Baltic Squadron of Admiral Rejestvensky.posing that the squadron lingers in the neighlightert. It will be impossible to ascertain avoid if possible a general engagement with It is the opinion of the government that Japan has everything to lose in the event of a defeat and that the longer the Russian squadron re mains in Eastern waters, without a base the easier it will be to handle when the time comes. with the war department have expressed Naval experts who are in close touch the opinion that the proper strategy is to endeavour if possible to harry the squadron "We were not surprised," he added, of Rojestvensky and to destroy with "that they should signal as no doubt they swift cruisers some of the enemy's ships under expected we had sighted the Third Baltic cover of fog or heavy weather. The opinion Fleet. Of course, ever since leaving Perimis expressed here that one of two courses will Island we had been keen on catching a

be pursued by Rojestvenski. Either he will glimpse of the Russian fleet, but it was the Pacific and make his way thence by a atempt to escape north of the Philippines into not until we arrived of Van Fong Bay circuitous route to Vladivostok else to on Sunday last that we saw anything of capture one of the ports on the southwest them. Some twelve miles to the south'ard, coast of Formosa, where there are several in Nhatrang Bay, we passed a French man. small barbours, and make this a base from which to operate. The national sentiment

FULL SPEED WITHOUT LIGHTS.

toth inst.

RUSSIAN WAR VESSELS IN CHINA PORTS.

DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITY AT WASHINGTON,

patch from Washington, died April 20

The Kalamin, publishes the following

of

and though it was known for some time to the en route at Honolulu'1and:Gdam

anval officials here that the Ohio had been. assigned to this station, and in fact was 0 route, the first oficial information of the actual coming of the big ship was from Guam, when she arrived at the latter place. The coming of the Ohio is a blyg addition to the United States- Asiatic feel, and Americans in this part of the the name of the Buckeye States. The Ohio is globe can well feel proud of the ship that bears' classed in the navy as battleship of the firt. class. Her keel was laid in 1899 and she is of 12,go fons displacement; and horse-power of 16,000,--Cablanous,

13th inst. The French gunboat Decides, has been coàl· og this afternoon.

The Alacrity and a destroyer left port this morning, and at 5 p.m. were followed by the second class cruiser Bonaventure, which steam- dised slowly out through the Lyemun, towing what appeared to be four small lighters or potnodns.

Captain Jenkins, of the British steamer Der went, which arrived to-day from Saigon, re-

Mr. Takahira, Japanese Minister at Wash ports that when leaving that port on the 9thingtau, has made a representation to the U.S. tions of the Japanese fleet in Northern waters. There was also the hospital ship Kostoma in urges the United States to assist China to Reports of the movements of detached por-leading coal-for Odenss, according to report. Askold, now lying at Woosung, in which he inst. there were three Russian transports there Goverment in regard to the Russian cruiser continue to be brought by incoming steamers. port. On the 10th inst, when off the Three maintain her neutrality. President Roosevelt The Norwegian ship Dagny which entered port Kings at 5 p.m. he sighted about 17 warships is considering the measures to be taken in at half-past seven this morning reports that with a number of transports. The former were compliance with the representation of the of Formosa a small ship believing to be a few days after leaving Chefoo, when to the cast about to to 12 miles off the coast, while the Japanese Minister. Japanese torpedo-boat destroyer was observed

latter, with another hospital ship, were in Kual under fall steam with all lights extinguished..

Be Pass

NEW DEPOT SHIP

Toth just.

FOR HONGKONG.-

Among the arrivals of naval ships this mom- ing was H.M.S. lecia which was commission- Count Cassini, Russian Minister at Washing-ed at Portsmouth early in March by Captain E.. ton, has protested in regard to the action of FD. Chaillon, for service as a torpedo-dépôt neutral Powers in watching the course of the and repairship on the Chian Station. She was Second Baltic Squadron and reporting their recently re-fitted throughout, and her work. every movement. The U.S. Government, says shops brought up to date. The lecia formerly

anean Station, and was in the bombardment of Alexandria, on July 4th, 1882. She will be stationed permanently at Hongkong.

of war, and this was the first battleship we here is intense, both government and populace left Singapore on the sth inst, and arrived in that a telegram had been received from Amoy the dispatch, bas taken notice of the complaint discharged a similar, duty on the Mediter

sighted after leaving Singapore."

Questioned about the condition of the two Russian cruisers, Capt. Charlton replied that they were exceptionally clean. and appeared to be spic and span in every particular.

"No, there was no coal on deck, they appeared to be in excellent trim; no dis order."

What about the fleet inside of the day?" We could not see quite so much then," he replied, "as we were some mine miles distant. Between thirty and thirty-five ships were anchored in the outer bay in three lines, the nearest ship to the shore being some two and a half to three miles distant. We could see the transports lying at anchor in the distance and could also make out a few of the torpedo boat, destroyers."

"In your opinion," we asked, "were they preparing for sea?" It would be difficult to say whether they were or were ot: One line of battleships was giving, very little smoke indeed, while the other two lines did not appear to have scarcely any steam at all, and what they had would pro- bably have been raised for the purpose of running the dynamos aboard."

"Did you meet any colliers in the vicinity of the bay ?"

"No, not one. We steamed ahead at our usual speed and arrived here yesterday morning, and are now awaiting further news,

"Perhaps you may have another oppor nity of seeing the fleet, we suggested, and under somewhat different circum-

tances."

"I don't know anything about that," he replied with d laugh as he turned aside to to watch an American gunboat making for the Admiralty archorage.

}

A London wire, of joth ult., says it is stated at St. Petersburg that Admiral Rodjestvensky "intends to force an action in Formosa Strait. The Tear, however, fears the possible results

the military successes in Manchuria will be realizing that unless Rojestvenski is deleated all valueless.

arrived in port this morning from Amoy, reports Chptain Hodgins, of the s.s. Ilaicking, which

4th inst; when 18 miles NE of Amoy he that at about 6.45 o'clock on the evening of the sighted five vessels, which appeared to be battle. It was dusk and the weather was hazy. These ships, but which he could not see clearly, as vessels had no lights, and were not steaming though I could not be seen whether they were at anchor or not.

8th inst.

BRITISH STEAMer stopped."

Captain Rolfe, of the ss. Yunsang, which arrived this afternoon from Manila, states that he saw nothing noteworthy on the trip over. On passing the northern point of the Island of Luzon, of the Philippine group, he saw the smoke of several vessels, which appeared to ba in some of the small bays in that part, but could not make out if they were steaming, He thought they would probably be some of the vessels sent north by the United States Government in the Philippines, to watch the movements of the fleet, and prevent any attempt at a breach of neutrality in those

THE THIRD SQUADRON, Captain Davies, of the s.s. Ningehou, which

signal the Third Baltic Squadron, consisting port at noon to-day, reports that according to of four battleships and two cruisers and about

saw nothing of either the Russian or Japanese even colliers passed through Singapore at 5 a.m. on that day. On the voyage up he fleets,

12th inst

cruisers off the Talchow group, but was unable Capt. Sawyer, of the Hingsang from Wuhu, reports having passed, two white painted to make on! their nationality.

a

The Deathbank, from Amay, passed battleship and a torpedo boat five miles off Swatow on Wednesday night.

:

THE SEARCH FOR CONTRABAND,

NORWEGIAN STEAMER STOPPED.

ACTIVITY AT MOJI.

one which seems to have caused, some

The captain of the Shaeshing, which has just arrived from the north, states that a rumour was being circulated in Swatow, to the effect

men af war were seen pasting Amoy in a reporting that on the night of 7th inst. five northerly direction at full speed and without light. Their nationality could not be distin- gulehed.

FIRING NEAR HONGKONG.

· A SUCCESSION OF NIGHT ALARMS,

of Count Cassini,

The German Ambassador. at Washington has dispatched a telegram to his Government, stating that the Japanese Minister at Washing ton believes that Germany will send a war- ship to Shanghai, '

The U.S.Minister at Peking has been instructed by his Government to advise the Chinese Government to enforce its power of

authorities. neutrality in regard to the Russian war-vessels which have been dismantled by the Chinese

but natural that people should start from their While we are "in the midst of alarms" it is

beds and listen intently when the sound of a gun is heard bboming, somewhere in the vicinity of Hongkong. For two or three morn- ings, after the witching "oor of twal," respect. able residents who had passed their beauty sicep and were about to turn over for a second. It has been resolved by H.B. the Governor spell, were amazed to hear the sonorous boom in Council that the district described below be

THE RIDER MAIN SYSTEM.

DISTRICT NO. 3.

DEPARTURE OF THE "DUFFERING

5th inst

By the transport Duferin, which sailed for Bombay on 10th inst, the following detalls left for india: Lieut, C. H. R.,Cheshey, RB Of the H. K. S. B. R. G. A. Lieut. A. J. Sutor, en. rovi, to, Malia-for duty,, t native officer and seven rank and fila (recruiting party)ąt native officer and 60 rank and file on furlough and two rank and file for discharge. Six rank and invalided 3 rank and file of the 93rd. Hurmaha file, of the roth Mahratta Light Infantry were proceeded on special-leave; and 3 rank, and file of the 119th Infantry on discharge,

SHIPPING JEISAM.

ti is notified in the Garetts that ships.com. veying Chinese passengers, under the spra visions of the Chinese Emigration Ordinance, 1889, will not be allowed to carry them on the upper weather deck, between the ist of June and 15th of October inclusive.

interfering with a customs official in the per- formance of bis dulics and of striking guard F. Buenaventura, and sentenced to be imprisoned for three hours had to pay a fine of Joo dellars gold. Mr. Nicol's attorney gave notice of ap peal to the Supreme Court and band was fixed at $100. When the Fuming sailed for Cebu Mr. Nicel did not go with her as, says ibe Cablenews, the captats refused to assume the responsi- bility of taking him away from Manila while under bail awaiting the derision of the court ío his case.

The Bangkok Times of 25th ult, says: The s.s. Promise which arrived in Bangkok from Hongkong to-day reports having sighted the Russian Fleet in Kamranh lay on Saturday morning. It is further stated that, the Russian

of cannon rolling in waves over the water. defined as a district within which the water. vessel which was reported the other day 21.

Most people being under the impression that supply is to be contrailed by means of rider. having entered Hongkong harbour was not a

they were awakening from a dream, refrained | mains and that the såld district be known an destroyer, but a torpedo boat whose escort was,

from talking about it next day, fearing that "Rider Main District No. 3." This district is presumably, waiting outside the islands, That the Japanese naval authorities are ridicule which comes to the "bunder "nowa- | bounded an follows:-By a line commencing Really!

keeping a sharp lookout for anything in the days. But about four o'clock this morning, at the Intersection of Des Vœux Road West

W6th inat, way of contraband is evidenced by the number the unmistakeablo roar of canhon was heard, and Sutherland Street; thence proceeding east. The Hamburg-America line has decided to Captain Cameron, of the 5.3. Angola, arrived teamers which their cruisers are now apparently not many miles from. Hongkong, wards along Des Voeux Road West to its inter-construct six river steamers of light draught to-day from Maroran, whence she left for this signalling and boarding, The Norwegian ship Of course it may be argued that thunder has section with Connaught Road West; thence for use on the river Nile

Themis, in from Kobe early this morn much the same sound as that of a big gun fired along Connaught Road West and Connaught port on the 28th alto. He reports that the shiping, had rather an interesting experience some miles off, but in there days of Baltic Road Central to the intersection of the latter was stopped by a Japanese cruiserin the Korean Straits, Eastern Channel, and he was asked off the Goto Islands on Sunday last, and Fleets which refuse to leave the hospitable with Rumsey Street; thence along Rumsey shores of Hainan, and Annam, and Togo Street to its intersection, with Des Voeux Road the nature of the cargo (coal) and destination delay to Capt. Thomassen's ship. Seen to-day, squadrons which never appear, and are only Central; thence along Des Voeux Road Cent at (Hongkong). Upon being answered she after a quiet siesta, the skipper told his story to heard of as ftating phantoms of the night, to o its intersection with Wing Lok Street; appeared satisfied, and the Angola was allowed representative of the Telegraph as follows say nothing of mysterious movements in the thencealong Wing Lok street to its intersection to proceed..

We left Moji with a general cargo on the 6th British fleet and a lively imagination over all, with Wing Sing Street; thence along Wing inst, and on the day following when off the no one will for a moment accept such a tame Sing Street to its intersection with Queen's

Mr. T. R. Nicol, second officer of the British Goto Islando saw a cruiser in the distance. solution of the story. It was a gun, fired by Bead Central; thence along Queen's Roadsteamer Taming, was found guilty in the court The ship chased me for a long time and when a war-vessel; if we could only believe that if Central to its intersection with Gough Street of first instance at Manila' the other day, of the overhauled me I saw she was flying, the was the belligerents in action the tale could Steps; thence afony Gough Street Steps to its Japanese flag. They signalled me to stop be made quite, dramatic, but that would be intersection with Circular Pathway; thence, immediately and, of course, 1 slackened stretching the long bow just trifle too far. along Circular Pathway to its intersection with down "chop, chop.“. A boat wan then Still here we have some salient facts to go Ladder Street; thence along Ladder Street to lowered from the warship and was boarded by upon; for several mornings during the past its intersection with Hollywood Road; thence an officer and two men one of whom carried a week, at r sm, to be exact, the sound of firing along Hollywood Road to its intersection with megaphone and anotber a couple of flags for has been heard this morning guns were Queen's Fond, West; thence long Queen's signalling purposes. They rowed across to pounding away, at 4 am: 21 may be said that Road West to its intersection with Sutherland my ship and overhauled the papers and chart, the active and vigilant Vice Admiral Sir Ge- Street; and thence along Sutherland Street to asked me where I was from, whither I was rard Noel is playing at night marceuvres in its point of commencement. The line follows bound, what cargo I had, where the ship was real earnest. It is true that since His Excel in all cases the centre fins of the thoroughfares | built, who were the owners and who the time; } lency came this station there has been an specified above. The following tenements shall charterers. They were most inquisitive and access of life and energy to the Fleet, but it also be deemed to be included within this wondered what would be their next is doubtful whether Fleet maneuvres which districtNos.115-205 odd numbers (inclusive) question. Among my cargo I had some would involve heavy firing exercises would Des Voeux Road West. No. 17. Wing Lak four hundred boxes of sundries and those be carried out at this time, with no-one knows Street. No. 187, Queen's Road Central Nos. packages seemed to puzzle thein. They cou'd how many Fleets in the vicinity of Hongkong. 178-244-even numbers, inclusive), Queen's not make them out at all and wanted to have a And if explanations are desired from heed Road Central, Nos. 24-17 (inclusive), Circular "look see" at them, if possible.. Of course, quasters they are always evaded, or rather Pathway. Nos 102-148 even numbers (inclusive) ship they were and so. could not oblige say "Try the Commodore's office. Ask that bers (inclusive), Sutherland Street. was unable to say exactly in what part of the "passed on." Ask the Naval Yard and they Queen's Road West, and Nos. 2-14 eren num. them. Most of the cargo comprised matches vague individual and somebody there shys from Japan, and after thinking the matter over "try the Tamar Then there is the usual

Mr. Robert 1. Pinkerton, of Glasgow, the for some time the Japanese officer signalled fight with the telephone girl, who cannot make

third engineer of the steamer Charterhouse, to his ship for instructions. lengthy delay occupied in the exchange of exchange, and after temporising" with her and Alter out your persistent cadences on the telephone

which has just arrived from Singapore,rdied aboard his ahip of general debility on Satur signals the men went off to the cruiser and I was exhausting your stock of compliments, you man-out for a cruise.

day and was buried at sea yesterday morning. allowed to proceed. The cruiser in questione a rushing mighty wind" over the wire the river gunboats. Snipe and Kins outward trip, whilst 23 miles from Howki

age to get switched on the Tamar, You carried about four guns. She was painted and at last awen still voice says "Are you

The C. M. S. Kunzping, reports: On the was evidently a converted merchant ship and

like a map of war and might easily have been there?" You shout "Yes" and proceed with

Island, N. 66, W., sighted a large spiked mine; mistaken for such. She followed me uptill dark a long list of requirements, why this happened, Four stokers from H.M.S. Ocer were charging it. Through the violence of the explosion,

by firing at it with rifles, succeeded in explod and then lost sight of her. It will perhaps why that happened, and so on. Then comes the ed before Mr. G. N. Orine at the Magistracy several fragments fell upon the deck. interest you to know that great activity prevails chilling response "Can't hear a word, you say, this morning, with assaulting Indian Police In the forts at Moji where gua practice is being and to crown all the telephone girl cuts of Constable No 523, at Bay View, yesterday carried out daily. During these operations the connection, and it has all to be ships, are detained outside of the harbour. gone over again, with precisely the same reafternoon. They were each fined $. One of While in Japan I heard a report to the effect sults The fact is nobody in official quarters public, ricksha and, was ordered to pay $3 to them, was further charged with damaging a that the Japanese fleet was divided into three admits hearing guna hooming in the early squadrons that in charge of Admiral Toge behours of the morning. They were all too fast the piler as compensation.

waters.

SHIPS OFF HONKOHE BAY:

Captain Bainbridge, of the sa. Charterhouse of foga in that region, and has consequently which arrived from Singapore this morning advised the Admiral to take a roule to,the east

Admiral

reports that on the night of the 3rd inst,, just of Formosa.

afier leaving Singapore, be saw three large vessels, apparently battle-ships, steaming in a southerly direction. It was very darkc at the time and he could not distinguish their nation. ality. On the sth inet, at 5.30 p.m. when some seven miles off Lone or Tree Island as it is generally known, and which is situated mid- way between Kamrahn Bay and Honkons Bay, he saw a two-funnel warship evidently at target practice. A little later the same evening they passed a two fannel barque rigged ship cruis ing off the entrance to Honkohe Bay. At the same time an ocean tramp, probably a collier, was observed to steam out of the Bay and steer an easterly course.

A private report received in official quarters at Tokio states that the British steamer Machaly (1), now at Hongkong, was sold to the "Russian authorities on the night of the ayth ult. In the guise of a merchantman, with a cargo. of ballast on board, she will shortly be ordered to cruise about the south China coast, Formost, and the Philippines, with a view to reconnoltring the positions of the Japanese warships! Her tonnage is 332 and her speed *"fourteen knots,

དང་་

THE SUNKEN WARSHIPS AT PORT

***ARTITUR.

It is stated by Tokio papers that very good " ́results hayo been obtained from the preliminary operations connected with mising the sunken ships at Port Arthur. It is expected that six out of the seven will be saved.” Work has

WITH THE RUSSIAN ADMIRAL IN

„ŠKAMRAHN, BAY,-

'9th inst.

MAN PORN

THE HEATHBANK'S "STORY,

I

|

NAVAL NOTES,

8th inst

The surveying ship Waterwitch has gone

have en The British second-class cruiser stres and tered the Foyang, Lake.

lag at the Pescadores, another with Kamimura asleep; in journalistic language, "they display Two..alokers, one from H.M.S. Rogue, and in the Korean Straits, and the third in Taugaru the utmost licence" But still there is a the other from H:MS. Bonaventura, got into Strants at the north off Japan.

haunting suspicion that those guns were rouble last night through the curious desire of "going. It would be extremely hard lines if pas of them, which took the form of an attempt all the fine theories which have been built up to kiss Chinese constable 337, Loung Yim, should be shattered, like the beautiful tale Meeting the man in the street, the stoker put about mat-shed hospitals or was it grandstands his arms round his neck, and attempted to kiss to accommodate spectators who wished to view him. The futong, pushed the seaman away, ibo fight between Togo and the Balticara?»

whereupon the men, assalted, him, ". They ME, Hazelaed this morning at the Magic were arrested, and when sent up to interview they were each ordered to pay a fus of $3.

AN UNSUCCESSFUL TRIP.

CARGO ATIRE.

Bib inst.

The steamer Afatṭumaye Maru, with 15,000 cases of kerosene oil ex Nieretta on board, was totally burst in the Inland Sea be the 24th ult.

The steamer Planet Venus, 2,820 tons.net,

from London to Janan with general cargo, is >tranded in the Gulf of Suer, and was dis charging to lighton,

A notification signed by Sir Pelham Warren, H.M.'s Consul General, has been issued in Boating mines at sea,, An investigation, has reference to the frequent reports concerning been made by H.M.S. Hogue, with the result concerning the danger have been greatly that the conclusion is formed that the reports exaggerated. The notice says that although mines do exist it is probable; that what are taken for mines are in many cases only floating caska, logs of

wood, etc."

..

Captain F. Johannessen, of the s.s. Brand, which, arrived this afternoon from Shanghai, states that about to p.m. yesterday, about so

two miles of it, it shot out and made off at full miles South of Breaker. Point, he saw a light straight ahead, and when he came up to within

about two miles it again stopped and remained speed in a S.S.E direction, but after going stationary, so long as the Brand could see it. it was surmised that, this was the light of a Japanese scout which did not wish to be sean. Nothing else was seen on the voyage. down to-day

There arrived in harbour late last evening a aiready been commenced on the Bayan and weather-stained steamer which had every another vessel-probably the fur, which appearance of having tramped the ocean for blocks the entrance to the dock. It is stated many a long day. Her hull was thick with that the injuries suffired by the Bayan below rust, which had eaten into the, plates, and the the water line are hignificant. This ship, it upper part of the ship was, badly in need will be remembered, is a first-class armoured of paintSho was the German steamer cruiser of 7,800 tons, laid down in 1899, Work Newmuchien which left Cardiff with coals carly will be commenced on the other vessels on the in the year and subsequently put into Kamrahn Suth of May and will be completed, according to Baywhere she met the ships of the Baltic Fleet present expectations, by August. Preparations and after discharging. her, cargo, came across for raising the Russian cruiser Varyag at to Hongkong But very little additional Chemulpo are said to have been completed information was gleaned by a visit aboard, the and it is expected that the vessel will 58 floated officers being very reticent, concerning what at high tide on the 18th instant it is impos they saw or heard, but were certainly positive sible to say how many times correspondents, that the Fleetwas ready to meet Admiral Capt. Müller of the London steamer Heath ADMIRAL, ROZHDIESTVENSKY'S PERPLEXITY. Favs reported the successful' fipaljog of this Togo whenever that great naval officer put in bank has experienced an unpleasant trip, since yessel, femarks the Japan Chronicle, on an appearance. When the aleamer-left the leaving Barry on October rith of last year that it is believed in reliable quarters that Osaka, 6th May. A Vienna telegram states bay early on the morning of the sth inst, Capt. He had some four thousand tons of best sleam though Admiral Rozhdiestvensky has exchang. NAVIGATION IN THREATENED WATERS Fischer counted forty-five vessels in the neigh coal on board and bad to endeavour to run the ed telegrams with his home government several The advance of the Baltic squadron bas bourhood, of which about twenty were warships. blockade and hand his cargo safely in the times the situation has greatly changed since naturally affected the navigation of steamers His steamer left there on Friday morning and hands of the Russian saval authorities in the fect.lefi Madagascar, and therefore the Addestroyers left the Admiralty anchorage and to local vernacular Jaurnal, dificulties are This morning another rusty-hulled, ship the and after a short stay in the South African pinty as to what course, be shall take but the Bay Between Japan posts and abroad. According came across to Hongkong.

Vladivostok. From Barry be made for Durban. miral is not only hampered by his own uncert proceeded through the Lyemum Pass to: Mirs prising between the crews of awners of foreign Forstek, of Hamburg, crept inte post flying the part steamed direct for Mapila where juther government does not appear to have issued any are steamers chartered by Japanese and the char German flag. She had been on a similar instructions...were awaiting him. Without definite order. There in therefore, it is believ Shortly after three, a'clock, this afternoon Beter Becently, anys, the Kobe Shimbun, mission having left Newport on the 18th much, delay they started for the north, and ed, no alternative for the feet, but to spend its another firitish destroyer left the harbour tria SMArmy.ambulance men were shipped by a charJanuary last with a cargo of coal. She came were, not far out when topble commenced, time in cruising in waters where no Japanese the Lyemun Pass, presumably to join the

eye tered foreign steamer, when a portion of the away to the Far East and discharged a portion. The abip steamed, for the north of Japan and are likely to be seen.

toarew objected to the passengers, and left the of the cargo at Kamraba Bay and the remain in company with the Austrian, steamer, Stent ASCAKE IN THE SOUTH

Fleet. istenkand, which, was unable to tail for a time. A der in Hoskohe Bay, On leaving the former reached the Kurashiri Simile, where they beat

tealth insi, difficulty has now arisen between the master Bay she noticed seven arships and even bougerieren or four days. The ficers of the Norwegian steamer Viking and the transports at anchat and upon striving some frequently went aboard of the Siam and con Qaka Shoten Kaishs. The steamer is under fifty miles farther up the Annim coast met förred regarding the best measures to adopt, it barter to the Osaka Stesen Kaisha to run be, other ships of the Baltic Squadron. The being ultimately decided that both steamers

At 11,15 am today the British battleships Glory, Ocean and Centurion, the cruisers Hogue and Andromeda and a torpedo boat

Monroth inst.

HIM.S. Bonauentura returned to harbour last night from Miss Bay, to take, in coal and have some minor fitting work done here, upon completion of which she will rejoin the feet

Linder the above heading the N. C. Dies prints the following and South that there is quite a panic among Chia | which she lett outside of Mirs Bay,

It appears from letters received from the

to representativen, of, the Mongkons Titgrap, that he was in Port Arthur when the bombardment commenced and saw it all. zbie lay in a somewhat exposed

striking his mast and Imbedding itself therein, position, but suffered no damage, though.many fragments of shells fell on his decky one piece and it is allowed to remain, as #souvenir of his vessel's "baptism of fire. The captain stated that he never left his ship throughout, but used to watch the operatione from dis

Page 5Page 6